Character is the sum total of a person’s behavior, values, qualities, and attributes. It represents who you really are when no one else is around. It is what you do when you think no one else is looking. Integrity is the characteristic of actually being what you claim to be. It is the kind of intellectual honesty that allows you to admit when you are wrong.
Are you the genuine article? If you are, the Bible says that you will be a blessing to your children. “The just man walks in integrity: his children are blessed after him.” Proverbs 20:7 “The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.” Proverbs 11:3
Psalm 41:12
“As for me, Thou upholdest me in my integrity and settlest me before Thy face forever.”
Practical Application and Assignments:
Integrity is crucial. It is the traits that distinguish you. It is sincerity without wearing the mask of manipulation and game playing. When your heart is right, your life is right. When your heart is wrong, it leads you astray. The heart is the core of your being. It is the “master control center” of your will, mind, and emotions.
Answer the following questions:
- What is in your heart? “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV)
- Who are you? The question is not, who do people “think” you are? The question is, who does God “know” that you are?
- Does your life exemplify integrity? Integrity is not perfection. David developed character and integrity in spite of his failures. Saul was corrupted by his own deceit.
Take care of your character and God will take care of your reputation. My dad always says, “Don’t bother to defend false rumors. Your enemies won’t believe it and your friends don’t need it.”
“Judge me, O Lord according to my righteousness and according to my integrity that is in me.” Psalm 7:8
